What did Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente say about the busy schedule?

Many players have complained about busy schedules that lead to fatigue and even injuries.

Ahead of Spain’s match against Switzerland in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday, coach Luis de la Fuente said players needed to stay connected with their national teams despite concerns about the health impact of the busy schedule.

After both teams achieved different results in their opening matches against each other – Spain played goalless against Serbia and Switzerland lost 0-2 to Denmark – the European champions now face Switzerland in Geneva.

“Tomorrow we have a very strong opponent ahead of us. I think we were the team that played best during the European Championship,” De la Fuente said this at a press conference on Saturday.

“Tomorrow two teams of a very high level will meet, perhaps in one of the most important games currently being played in Europe. We will try to build on our strengths and minimize those of our opponents.”

The impact of the extended schedule on the national team was questioned by the Spanish coach.

“We think about the players first. But they also have to play for the national team,” Said De la Fuente. “The calendar is agreed (by others), we stick to it, nothing else. (But) it is our country, our national team, and I think we should give it the importance that it has.”

“All players want to be on the national team and the clubs – without exception – want their players to become international players. We are victims of this calendar, not the guilty ones.”

The Spanish coach added that he would not agree to a reduction in their involvement with the national teams in order to ensure the success of his players at club level.

“Our duty is to represent our country, to field the best players and to fight for victory. We have a great responsibility, a great prestige to defend and the only way I know how we can do that is to field the players I consider to be the best.” added the Spanish coach.

We also have to be fair and it wouldn’t be fair of me if I protected some more than others because of their club.”

What do other players think about the busy football schedule?

Although Luis de la Fuente made some valid points, many players would disagree with him. Those who have complained about the hectic schedule could undoubtedly be right. The players hardly have any time to rest. Playing more than 90 games in a season obviously becomes a burden for them.

Numerous sportsmen have expressed their disapproval of the excessive number of unnecessary games in the season. Portuguese star Bernardo Silva has spoken about the need to play so many games in a season. He said: “I think there are two completely different issues here. When players complain, people say that players can’t complain about their lives. And they’re right, because we’re fulfilling a dream and doing what we’re doing.“

“On the other hand, the schedule is completely crazy. We’ve just received the news that we only have one day off for the English League Cup game.”

“We play Arsenal, rest for a day and then we have the game against Watford. And if we don’t get knocked out of any other competition, we’ll play every three days for months. It’s absolutely absurd.”

“If you don’t qualify for the round of 16 in the Champions League, you have to play two more games. It’s true that the squads are bigger, but I won’t say it’s easy. It hasn’t been easy. I spend very little time with my family and friends. The number of games we’re exposed to is absolutely absurd.”

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